An Illinois village has voted to purchase the childhood home of the first American pope, with a trustee saying the acquisition of the property is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a gift from God

Dolton residents were skeptical at Tuesday's board meeting, questioning whether the financially strained village could afford to purchase the home and maintain the streets surrounding it.

What was once an average home in Chicago's south suburbs has now received national attention for being the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV. The Dolton Village Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to take control of the house at 212 E. 142nd Pl. Village leaders called the purchase a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.